U.N. focus on indigenous people has improved their lives, says nuncio

Published: 2003-10-23

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) -- Archbishop Celestino Migliore said Oct. 22 that the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, scheduled to conclude next year, has brought "new turns for the better" in the lives of these people, "thanks to both the celebrated and the unsung heroes." Among the decade's accomplishments, he said, was establishment of a trust fund through the Permanent Forum of Indigenous People. The fund promotes human rights, environment, development, education and health. But the archbishop, who is the Vatican's nuncio to the United Nations, said there were "challenges still ahead" in the effort to help indigenous people "regain their distinct place." In a statement delivered at U.N. headquarters in New York, he said, "The Holy See remains committed to the cause."

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